Stephen Marro is ready for his close-up

Nick Cornish (from left), Adam Storke and John Lavelle star in the film festival favorite, opening at the Malverne Cinema on Friday.

"Broadway’s Fines" writer/director Stephen Marro sets up a shot.

Gerry Weinman

By Karen Bloom

Stephen Marro is having his “it” moment. The Long Beach-born and raised filmmaker is glowing with pride as his first feature film, “Broadway’s Finest,” hits the big screen – opening on Friday, Oct. 5, at the Malverne Cinema 4, in Malverne. The indie film, which has been a hit on the regional film festival circuit this year, has garnered considerable buzz – along with an accumulation of awards as it made the festival rounds. Now the movie – a comedy/action flick that follows the adventures of three struggling men who impersonate New York City undercover cops in order to create their own police drama – has reached the next stage of its young life: a full-fledged theatrical run, courtesy of Malverne Cinema owners Henry and Ann Stampfel. “It is so gratifying for us to have had the kind of success we have achieved,” said Marro, who wrote, directed and produced “Broadway’s Finest.” “Especially here on Long Island, to have had the honor of being the red carpet opening night film at the Long Island International Film Expo in July. And now to have an exclusive run at the Malverne Theater. I am so very proud. Long Island has had such a huge impact on this film, from raising the money to produce it, to shooting in many locations here, leading up to our run in Malverne.” Marro, a graduate of NYU film school, who grew up in Long Beach and now lives in Lido Beach, has also written and directed some short films and commercials. But this full-length feature, which follows the adventures of three men who decide to go “under cover” as New York City cops to do research for their drama and end up chasing down a notorious drug dealer is the high point of Marro’s developing film career to date. It was filmed in various locations through Long Island, including Long Beach, as well as in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.